The first case of the Omicron Covid variant has been identified in Ireland.
Health officials say eight samples were sent for testing, and ONE case of the strain has been confirmed.
The case is linked to travel to a country in southern Africa and was identified from a sample taken within the last week.
The National Public Health Emergency Team says while only one Omicron case has been detected so far, there may be more cases here which have not been discovered yet.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says we know enough about the variant to be concerned.
"We do not know all about this variant, but we know enough to be concerned.
"We know from our experience with the Delta variant that it is a race against time.
"Therefore until we know what is going on, and this will take 2-3 weeks the scientists tell us, we have to make the most of the time that we have until we have certainty."
